CONFIDENTIAL
GARRISON/DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT
Q.
A.
What is the British Government's position on the Defence
Costs Agreement?
The intention is that discussions should take place later
this year between the British and Hong Kong Governments about
the renewal or revision of the present DCA, which expires in
1988. Nothing further to say at present.
(If any question of detail is raised) This is a matter that
will have to be considered in the discussions.
Q.
What plans are being made for the withdrawal of the British
Garrison?
A.
No decisions have yet been taken on the process or timing of
withdrawal. This will require careful planning, taking full account of Britan's responsibility for Hong Kong's stability and prosperity up to 1997?
ECONOMY
Q.
Any ideas on how we should
take up the fight
against
protectionism?
Any plans to visit the
the US to lobby on Hong
Kong's behalf?
A.
The growing trend towards protectionism in
towards protectionism in world trade is of
serious concern to everyone.
It is of the greatest
importance to Hong Kong, which lives by foreign trade, that
this movement should be resisted. Indeed, Hong Kong, as a
free and open market itself, has every
openness from its trading partners. I
plans to visit the US: The US Government
well aware of our
concerns.
But I
right to expect
have по immediate
and Congress are
shall certainly do
everything I can to protect Hong Kong's interests in this
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.